Excalibur Awards Recap

BUFFALO, N.Y. (June 22, 2016) – A rebranding campaign for a top nonprofit and an award-winning publication for a local university, produced by Empower and University at Buffalo School of Management, respectively, were named the year’s best by the Buffalo Niagara chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

These honors, along with thirty-one gold, silver and bronze-winning entries, were given out at the 27th annual Excalibur Awards held Wednesday evening at The Tralf Music Hall in downtown Buffalo. This event recognizes outstanding public relations work and professionals in the Buffalo Niagara region. Judging was performed by public relations professionals from the PRSA Dallas chapter.

Platinum “Best of Show” winners are selected from the top entry in each division: campaigns and tactics. Empower’s top campaign, “Empowering a 60-Year Legacy: A top nonprofit updates its brand,” was honored for their full overhaul of the brand, truly differentiating Empower from its previous identity with a refreshed style and tone. The University at Buffalo School of Management’s top tactic, “Buffalo Business Magazine,” featured business trends, noteworthy alumni, school news and innovative research in their highly sought-after publication.

As part of this ceremony, special awards were given to individuals in the PR field highlighting their talent and commitment to the chapter and the profession. Michael P. Hughes, senior vice president of public affairs and marketing at Kaleida Health, was presented with the chapter's highest honor, the May C. Randazzo Outstanding Practitioner Award. Majed Dawood-Farah, general manager at Hyatt Regency Buffalo, received the chapter’s Outstanding Executive Award. John Senall, principal and founder at Mobile First Media, LLC, received the chapter’s Distinguished Service Award, and Devon Slobodzian, copywriter at Gelia, received the chapter’s Rising Star Award.

Excalibur Awards in the following categories were presented to:

Campaigns:

INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONSGold: 43North, “Integrated Communications”Silver: University at Buffalo, “UB Reporter Goes Daily”Bronze: Martin Davison Public Relations, “Niagara Junior-Senior High School: 40th anniversary/open house campaign”Bronze: Martin Davison Public Relations, “Colligan Law LLP: A law firm of and for entrepreneurs”